THE HOBBIT - COSTUME OF BILBO BAGGINS
Handmade screen accurate replica costume based on the one worn by Martin Freeman in the 2012 film adaptation of "The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey"
All patterns were created from careful observation of reference imagery, then garments were constructed from scratch in high-quality fabrics including silk, velvet, cotton and lamb’s wool. Every effort has been made to recreate each detail the prop maker used from the screen worn costume.
Brass acorn "Buttons of Bilbo Baggins" and "The One Ring" were provided by Weta Workshop.
Handmade screen accurate Bilbo Baggins costume based on The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey.
Handmade screen accurate Bilbo Baggins costume based on The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey.
Handmade screen accurate Bilbo Baggins costume based on The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey.
Handmade screen accurate Bilbo Baggins costume based on The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey.
Close-up of the button holes on the waistcoat, "brass buttons of Bilbo Baggins" and "The one ring" were kindly provided by the wonderful people at Weta Workshop.
Detail shot of the collar area of the costume. I had a custom run of silk printed to match the screen used scarf this was then hand sewn to produce the finished garment.
Detailing such as the button holes and pick stitching around the waistcoat and jacket were meticulously hand sewn using a high quality top stich thread.
Functional lined pockets feature on both the waistcoat and on the dress coat. I studied each garment before drafting patterns to ensure details such as the single coat pocket were not missed.
The jacket features a velvet collar which converges with the matching corduroy with the iconic notched lapel with rounded corners.
I searched for weeks to find the perfect weight, colour and weave of fabrics for this costume. Each sample was scrutinised against reference imagery.
True hobbit fans will notice that I opted for a double welted waistcoat pocket instead of the single welt used on screen. This was purely my preference as this project was one of the very rare occasions I get to make something for my own collection.
For authenticity, the waistcoat was made using lamb’s wool sourced from and woven in New Zealand (the closest alternative I could find to Middle Earth)
The shirt was made from an ethically sourced unbleached cotton, it has a beautiful weave and is extremely comfortable to wear. Buttons are mother of pearl.
This was a personal project that came about because I needed somewhere to display my replica "Precious" courtesy of Weta Workshop and Jens Hansen. Those who know me (put up with me) best will recognise this rapid escalation of one idea to a finished product such as this.
Every effort was made to ensure this costume stayed as screen accurate as possible, details that can only be seen for a few frames in the film trilogy such as the sky blue satin lining and olive velvet back of the waistcoat.